Technologies that make up industrial automation
Industrial electricity
Industrial electricity refers to the generation, distribution and use of electrical energy in industrial and commercial environments. It involves a series of processes, equipment and systems designed to meet the electrical energy needs of industrial facilities, manufacturing plants, factories, warehouses and other similar environments. This energy is used to power machinery, lighting equipment, air conditioning systems, control and automation systems, among others.
Industrial electricity can be low, medium or high voltage, depending on the specific requirements of the facility and power demands. Industrial electrical systems are typically designed to be robust and reliable, as power outages can have a significant impact on the productivity and efficiency of industrial operations.
Sources:.
• - https://www.cursosaula21.com/que-hace-un-tecnico-electricista-industrial/.
• - https://www.idat.edu.pe/blog/que-hace-un-profesional-en-electricidad-industrial.
Industrial pneumatics
Industrial pneumatics is a branch of engineering that focuses on the use and control of compressed air for the automation of industrial processes. It uses air pressure to create movement and control various mechanisms and systems in industrial environments. Industrial pneumatics are especially useful in situations where linear or rotary force and motion are required.
In industrial pneumatics, components such as air compressors are used to generate compressed air, pneumatic cylinders to create linear motion, pneumatic motors and actuators to generate rotary motion, pneumatic valves to control air flow, and other elements such as filters and regulators to ensure efficient operation of the system.
Pneumatic systems are known for their simplicity, speed and responsiveness compared to other automation systems. They are widely used in the manufacturing industry and in various applications such as material handling, production line automation, machinery control, industrial robotics and more.
It is important to note that pneumatics is related to the use of compressed air, while hydraulics involves the use of liquids, usually oil, to achieve control and automation in industrial systems.
Sources:.
• - https://acpautomatismos.com/que-es-la-pneumatica-industrial/.
• - https://hntools.es/ayuda-y-consejos/pneumatica/.
• - https://todoparalaindustria.com/blog/que-es-la-neumatica/.
Industrial hydraulics
Industrial oleohydraulics, also known as industrial hydraulics, is a branch of engineering that deals with the use and control of fluids, usually oils, to transmit energy and perform work in industrial systems and machinery. Unlike pneumatics, which uses compressed air, oleohydraulics is based on the incompressibility of liquids to transmit force and movement efficiently.
In industrial oleohydraulics, components such as hydraulic pumps are used to generate liquid flow, hydraulic cylinders to create linear motion, hydraulic motors to generate rotary motion, hydraulic valves to control the flow and direction of fluid, and other elements such as accumulators and filters to optimize system operation.
The main advantage of oleohydraulics is its ability to handle heavy loads and transmit force over considerable distances with precision and control. It is widely used in a variety of industrial applications, such as presses, cranes, construction machines, agricultural machinery, lifting systems and many other areas where high power and precise control are required.
As in pneumatics, it is important to highlight that oleohydraulics is based on the transmission of energy through fluids, but in this case oil or other hydraulic fluids are used instead of compressed air.
Sources:.
• - https://tecnologiapirineos.blogspot.com/2013/01/oleohidraulica.html.
• - http://www.aero.ing.unlp.edu.ar/laclyfa/Carpetas/Catedra/Archivos/Hidaulica%20A.pdf.
• - https://montevideo.gub.uy/sites/default/files/Oleohidraulica.pdf.
Programmable controllers
Programmable controllers, also known as PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers), are electronic devices used in industrial automation to control and monitor processes and systems in a wide range of applications. These devices are essential for controlling and automating machines and processes in the manufacturing industry, building automation, food and beverage industry, chemical industry, automotive industry and many others.
A programmable controller consists of electronic components, such as a central processing unit, digital and analog inputs and outputs, memory, and a communication system. The programming of the PLC is carried out using programming software, where the instructions and logic that the controller must follow to carry out various tasks are defined.
The main functions of programmable controllers include:
- Process control: PLCs can monitor and control industrial process sequences, such as product manufacturing, assembly line automation, and machinery control.
- Logic and sequencing: Programmable controllers can implement Boolean logic to make decisions based on specific inputs and conditions, allowing the sequential execution of actions.
- Motion Control: They can control motion systems, such as motors and actuators, to achieve precise movements in machines and equipment.
- Communication: PLCs can interact with other devices and systems through communication protocols, allowing the integration of systems into a production line or larger industrial facility.
- Supervision and monitoring: Many PLCs allow real-time monitoring and data collection for performance analysis and informed decision making.
Programming a PLC is carried out using specific programming languages, such as relay languages, ladder languages or more advanced programming languages such as Ladder Logic, Instruction List and others.
In summary, programmable controllers are essential elements in industrial automation, allowing the creation of flexible and adaptable control systems that improve efficiency, precision and safety in a variety of industrial processes and applications.
Sources:.
• - https://www.cursosaula21.com/que-es-un-plc/.
• - https://mecmod.com/automatas-programables-y-el-sector-industrial/.
Industrial communications
Industrial communications refers to the systems and technologies used to transmit information and data between devices, equipment and systems in industrial environments. These communications are essential for efficient process control and automation in various industrial fields, such as manufacturing, energy, production, logistics, and more.
In the context of industrial communications, devices can include sensors, actuators, controllers, PLC (Programmable Logic Controllers), SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) systems, HMI (Human-Machine Operator Interfaces), industrial robots, process control systems, among others. The ability of these devices to communicate with each other and with centralized monitoring and control systems is essential to optimize production, improve efficiency and ensure safety in industrial operations.
Some key concepts in industrial communications include:.
- Communication protocols: These are sets of rules and standards that define how devices communicate and transmit data between each other. Examples of industrial protocols are Modbus, Profibus, Ethernet/IP, CAN (Control Area Network), among others.
- Industrial networks: These are communication infrastructures that connect devices and systems within an industrial facility. These networks can be wired or wireless and are designed to offer speeds and data transmission capacities suitable for industrial needs.
- Network topologies: Refers to the physical and logical structure of the network, such as bus, star, ring, mesh, etc., which determines how devices connect and communicate with each other.
- SCADA and HMI systems: These systems allow the supervision and control of industrial processes. Operators can monitor the status of devices and processes in real time and make informed decisions based on the data provided by these systems.
- Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT): The interconnection of devices and systems in industry via the Internet enables the collection, analysis and sharing of data to improve process efficiency and performance.
In summary, industrial communications are essential to achieving automation, efficiency and control in industrial environments. They allow the transfer of critical data that helps in decision making, process optimization and overall productivity improvement in various industries.
Sources:.
• - https://www.cursosaula21.com/que-son-las-redes-de-comunicacion-industrial/.
• - https://www.sicma21.com/que-son-las-redes-de-comunicacion-industrial/.
industrial robotics
Industrial robotics refers to the field of engineering and automation that deals with the design, construction, programming, and operation of robots in industrial and manufacturing environments. Industrial robots are programmable machines that can carry out repetitive, precise and dangerous tasks on production lines, warehouses and other industrial environments.
Industrial robots are designed to perform a variety of tasks, such as welding, assembly, material handling, packaging, painting, quality inspection, and many other activities that require strength, precision, and speed. These robots are equipped with sensors, actuators and control systems that allow them to interact with their environment and execute specific tasks according to programming instructions.
Key features and components of industrial robotics include:
- **Manipulators and robotic arms**: These are the mechanical parts that allow the robot to move and perform tasks. They can have multiple joints and degrees of freedom to achieve complex movements.
- **Sensors**: Industrial robots can be equipped with sensors such as cameras, proximity sensors, force sensors, and more. These sensors allow the robot to detect and adapt to its environment and the objects with which it interacts.
- **Actuators**: These are the components that allow the robot to execute movements and actions. These may include electric motors, servomotors, and other actuation mechanisms.
- **Controllers**: Industrial robots are controlled by electronic systems and specialized software. Controllers allow you to program the robot's behavior and manage its movements and actions.
- **Programming**: Programming industrial robots involves defining the sequences of movements and actions that the robot must perform to carry out a specific task. This can be done through specific programming languages or through graphical interfaces.
- **Safety**: Safety is a key consideration in industrial robotics. Robots are often equipped with safety systems such as emergency stops, collision sensors and restricted work zones to ensure the safety of operators and other workers.
Industrial robotics has revolutionized the manufacturing industry by improving efficiency, quality and consistency in production. Robots allow repetitive tasks to be performed more quickly and accurately, which in turn frees up human workers for more creative and strategic tasks.
Sources:.
• - https://infaimon.com/blog/.
• - https://www.beetrack.com/es/blog/robotica-industrial-logistica.